Won’t start

Bike won’t start? Check these first.

A surprising number of recovery calls are solved by a switch. Run through these before you call. It might save you the fee.

The free fixes

Kill switch: knocked to off. Everyone has done it.
Side stand: most bikes won’t start, or cut out, in gear with the stand down.
Clutch pulled in: many bikes need the clutch in to start, even in neutral.
Neutral light: make sure it’s really in neutral.
Fuel: the gauge can lie, especially after a long run. Is the fuel tap on, on older bikes?

Clicks but doesn’t turn: a flat battery or a bad connection. A jump or a push start (on a manual bike) may work.
Nothing at all: the main fuse, a battery terminal or the immobiliser. Try the spare key.
Turns over but won’t fire: fuel, spark or a sensor. Stop before you flatten the battery.
Starts then dies: often an immobiliser or a fuel problem.

Still dead? Call us for a breakdown recovery.

Stuck on the side of the road?

Tell us where you are, what the bike is and what happened. You get the price on the call, and a bike-ready truck comes to you.